Fyfe Fine, So No Tribunal This Week

on May 21, 2015, 4:46 am

There will be no meeting by the AFL Tribunal this week since issues were already resolved concerning the three players who were involved in skirmishes in their previous games. The three players who were given sanctions by the Match Review Panel have already accepted their penalties. Fremantle stalwart Nat Fyfe is still qualified for this […]

There will be no meeting by the AFL Tribunal this week since issues were already resolved concerning the three players who were involved in skirmishes in their previous games. The three players who were given sanctions by the Match Review Panel have already accepted their penalties.

Fremantle stalwart Nat Fyfe is still qualified for this year’s coveted Brownlow Medal even after being fined by the MRP. His act of tripping an opponent in their Sunday’s win over the Western Bulldogs was found as an intentional body contact, but with low impact.

Fyfe has accepted and agreed to pay $1,000 but fortunately for his team, he escaped from being suspended.

Although reports said, that the Bulldogs team sees the Fyfe act as purely accidental. The fuming medal contender has learned to accept the decision of the MRP.

Despite the tripping violation, he remains eligible and on the hunt for the prestigious Brownlow Medal. This, after changes has been made to the MRP’s guidelines during the off season which nullifies carry over points.

Another player was also meted out a $1,000 sanction and has also avoided suspension. Jarrad Waite of North Melbourne was also penalized for getting into a rough contact against the Bomber’s Zach Merret. North Melbourne won that game Friday night against the Bombers.

Under the MRP’s new system, Waite has a spotless record for conduct as he was cleared for a late wrecking act in the pre season against the Hawk’s Ben Stratton. Waite’s behavior was deemed as a careless act with a slight impact to the head.

Devon Smith of Greater Western Sydney was also sanctioned with rough conduct during Saturday’s win over the Giants. Getting the raw end of the deal was Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs.

Smith’s action was seen as negligent that involves a low impact to the body. He shelled out a $1,000 fine imposed by the panel.

The week was littered with “uncalled for” behavior of some players that resulted in sanctions. However, Steve Johnson was cleared by the panel for his attempted tackle to Sydney Swan’s co- captain Jarrad McVeigh. The Geelong’s veteran hit McVeigh’s Groin.

The panel understands that there was no intention to hurt on Johnson’s side. He was just trying to secure a position in challenging for a loose ball. His attempt to block his competitor’s way to the ball was considered as a non offense and doesn’t need any disciplinary action.